Question

The term fabulation refers to:

• A. Biographical storytelling
• B. Freewheeling narrative invention
• C. Poetic realism
• D. Classical romanticism

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Freewheeling narrative invention

Understanding Fabulation in Literature

• Fabulation is a literary term that describes a type of fiction characterized by freewheeling narrative invention and a deliberate departure from the conventions of realism.
• It emphasizes the act of storytelling itself, often drawing attention to its own artificiality or constructed nature.
• Fabulation frequently incorporates elements of fantasy, myth, fable, allegory, and absurdity, often blending them with realistic settings or characters.
• The term was notably popularized by American literary critic Robert Scholes in his 1967 book The Fabulators.
• Scholes saw fabulation as a reaction against the dominance of literary realism and naturalism, advocating for a return to more imaginative and playful forms of narrative.

• Key Characteristics of Fabulation:

  • Self-consciousness: The narrative often acknowledges its own fictionality, breaking the fourth wall or commenting on the act of writing.
  • Intertextuality: Frequent allusions to other texts, myths, or literary traditions are common.
  • Playfulness and experimentation: It often involves structural innovations, linguistic play, and a willingness to defy conventional plot or character development.
  • Didactic or allegorical undertones: While playful, fabulation can often convey philosophical, social, or moral messages through its fantastical elements.
  • De-emphasis on character psychology: Unlike traditional realism, the focus shifts from in-depth psychological portrayal to broader thematic or narrative concerns.

• Prominent Authors and Movements:

  • Authors often associated with fabulation include John Barth, Robert Coover, Donald Barthelme, Thomas Pynchon, and Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
  • It is closely related to postmodern literature, sharing many characteristics such as meta-fiction, fragmentation, and a questioning of grand narratives.
  • While prevalent in postmodernism, the roots of fabulation can be traced back to earlier forms like allegories, fables, and even ancient myths, highlighting its connection to the fundamental human desire for imaginative storytelling.